title: Cellular dysfunction in sepsis.
abstract: Cellular dysfunction is a commonplace sequelum of sepsis and other systemic inflammatory conditions. Impaired energy production (related to mitochondrial inhibition, damage, and reduced protein turnover) appears to be a core mechanism underlying the development of organ dysfunction. The reduction in energy availability appears to trigger a metabolic shutdown that impairs normal functioning of the cell. This may well represent an adaptive mechanism analogous to hibernation that prevents a massive degree of cell death and thus enables eventual recovery in survivors.
authors.affiliation: University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK. m.singer@ucl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Mervyn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Singer
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000502:physiology*; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000502:physiology; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006605:Hibernation / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D028361:Mitochondrial Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology; D018805:Sepsis / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D009569:Nitric Oxide